Informal and Self-Directed Learning From Massive Open Online Courses and Open Education

• In Event: A Broad View of the Complexity of Learning With Technology

Abstract

This is a two-part study looking at the general characteristics, motivations, and challenges of individuals who utilize massive open online courses (MOOCs) and open educational contents for aspects of their learning. The study analyzes respondent answers to 15 open ended items of a 43-item Web-based survey which explored the motivations, preferences, challenges, and accomplishments of self-directed online learners. The first dataset stems from 49 participants in a professional development MOOC hosted by Blackboard who had completed the open-ended items. This course was designed for instructors who taught online. The second dataset involved individuals who subscribed to the MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) newsletter, of which 613 completed the open-ended items. The findings reveal a diverse array of intrinsic motivators for MOOC participants.

Authors

• Mimi Miyoung Lee, University of Houston

• Curtis J. Bonk, Indiana University